Mimosa (Silk-tree or Albizia), Albizia julibrissin

Summary

Foliage: About 20 inches long; bipinnately compound; deciduous

Height: About 25 feet

Spread: About 25 feet

Shape: Vase-shape

Main Features

Mimosa is a fast-growing small tree with very attractive pink pin cushion-like flowers in summer. This species has tropical-like foliage (bipinnately compound foliage with very small leaflets) that confers a very fine texture to the tree. This species is quite tolerant of drought, poor soils, and salt. However, there are two major issues concerning this species. First, this species is susceptible to a lethal soil borne fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pernicosum; see Fusarium Wilt of Mimosa by E. A. Bush at http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/2811/2811-1020/2811-1020.html) for details. Thus, mimosa can be relatively short lived if this disease is prevalent in the area. Second, this species is considered an invasive species by NatureServe. The U.S. invasive species impact rank for mimosa is high/low with the following description: “Often a plant of human-disturbed areas (roadsides, etc.), but also affects naturally scoured riparian areas and forest edges. It is having some serious impacts on biodiversity in parts of the southeastern U.S.” (see reference at end of article).

Plant Needs

Zone: 6 to 9; winter injury may occasionally occur in zone 6a

Light: Full sun

Moisture: Average to somewhat dry

Soil type: Average to poor

pH range: Acid to alkaline

Functions

Due to the noted liabilities of this species, Mimosa is not recommended for landscape use.

Care

In addition to the Fusarium disease noted above, mimosa also has other disease and insect (webworm) problems.

Additional Information

There are a few cultivars in the trade and some are claimed to be disease resistant. However, these produce seed and can be considered potentially invasive.

References

NatureServe Explorer, Albizia julibrissin. http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/servlet/NatureServe?sourceTemplate=tabular_report.wmt&loadTe mplate=species_RptComprehensive.wmt&selectedReport=RptComprehensive.wmt&summaryView=tab ular_report.wmt&elKey=155382&paging=home&save=true&startIndex=1&nextStartIndex=1&reset=fals e&offPageSelectedElKey=154536&offPageSelectedElType=species&offPageYesNo=true&post_proces ses=&radiobutton=radiobutton&selectedIndexes=154536&selectedIndexes=155382&selectedIndexes= 131494&selectedIndexes=146681&selectedIndexes=155663&selectedIndexes=160613&selectedIndex es=151231